Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has revealed Ledley King's groin operation will be delayed until next week - after the central defender lost his passport.

Despite his satisfaction at his side achieving a 1-0 victory at Blackburn, Redknapp was dismayed at the possibility of losing King's services for even longer than expected.

Redknapp said last night: "He should have had his operation today. He couldn't make it. Why? It's a long story. (It's) next week now.

"He couldn't find his passport, so he couldn't fly out to have it done. He mislaid it. He was going to see a lady in Germany."

Tottenham managed to stay in sight of a Champions League place thanks to a goal from Peter Crouch in the fourth minute after he headed home following a corner from Rafael van der Vaart.

However Redknapp feels Chelsea, who are three points ahead of his side, will kick on now they have secured the services of Fernando Torres.

Redknapp said: "For finish above them would be a real feat. They have spent about £70million in the transfer market. We have just got to keep going.

"Manchester United are red-hot favourites but Chelsea have players who have won championships and have Torres to come in."

Tottenham almost secured the services of Blackpool playmaker Charlie Adam but ran out of time on transfer deadline day.

Redknapp said: "My chairman (Daniel Levy) had rung me and said would you be interested if we could do a good deal. I think he is a good player. I love him.

"So I was in a restaurant having a bit of pasta and a glass of wine when the phone went at 10.30pm. I thought there is no way we are going to get him.

"At ten to 11 I get another call saying I think we have done it. But it was too late."

Blackburn almost equalised in stoppage time in front of Anuradha Desai, chairwoman of the club's owners Venkys, who was watching the team for first team. However Jermaine Jenas diverted Christopher Samba's header over the bar.

Manager Steve Kean said: "If you look at the stats we had 17 attempts and 11 on target. The lads would even have been disappointed with a point after the chances we had.

"I think the crowd got edgy but I hope they enjoyed the type of football we played. We were caught cold for the first goal but were totally in control for the rest of the game."